HIV and AIDS Policy for Rainbows and Smiles

 Introduction

Rainbows and Smiles is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all individuals affected by childhood cancer, including those living with HIV and AIDS. This policy outlines our approach to addressing HIV/AIDS in the context of our organisation's mission and services.

Purpose

The purpose is this policy is to:

1. Ensure that all individuals affected by childhood cancer, including those living with HIV/AIDS, receive equal access to our services and support.
2. Provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment for all beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers.
3. Promote awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS among our staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries

Scope

This policy applies to all staff members, volunteers, beneficiaries, and partners of Rainbows and Smiles.

Policy Statements

1. Non-discrimination: Rainbows and smiles does not discriminate against individuals based on their HIV status. All beneficiaries, including those living with HIV, will receive equal access to our services and support.
2. Confidentiality: We will maintain confidentiality regarding the HIV status of beneficiaries, staff and volunteers, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
3. Universal precautions: We will follow universal precautions to prevent the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne pathogens in our work with beneficiaries.
4. Education and awareness: We will provide education and awareness about HIV/AIDS to our staff, beneficiaries, and volunteers, including information on prevention, treatment , and support services.
5. Support and referrals: We will provide emotional, social, and financial support to beneficiaries living with HIV/AIDS, and refer them to relevant services and resources as needed

Implementing and Monitoring

1. Staff training: All staff and volunteers will receive training on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and support.
2. Beneficiary support: Beneficiaries living with HIV/AIDS will receive individualised support and referrals to relevant services and resources.
3. Monitoring and evaluation: We will monitor and evaluate our HIV/AIDS policy and services to ensure that they are effective and responsive to the needs of our beneficiaries.

Review and Revision

This policy will be reviewed and revised as necessary, in accordance with changes in laws, regulations and best practices.

By implementing this policy, Rainbows and Smiles aims to provide a safe, supportive and non-discriminatory environment for all individuals affected by childhood cancer, including those living with HIV/AIDS.